Good relationships are earned.

[wisconsinteacher]

I had a great day and never stepped foot in the woods. This morning, I went knocking on doors gain access for turkey hunting. This is my 3rd year hunting in this area and today I went 8/9 on gaining permission. A few of the farmers said that they were wondering when I was going to be showing up. The one guy that did not let me on has family hunting this year. Grand total, 3000 acres of land to hunt this spring!!!

This afternoon, my wife and I went to the farm where we deer hunt to give him some fresh fish, an Easter ham and some homemade jam. As we pulled into the drive, he stepped out on the deck to welcome us in. We chatted for an hour and the conversation ended with him saying, "you know you can hunt here again this fall." We left after talking and laughing but I always remember the day I knocked on his door. He was not real open to letting me hunt but he gave me a chance. Six years later, we have full access for the entire bow and rifle season!!!

 

[DrMike]

Excellent report. All of us can learn that courtesy and kindness pays huge dividends.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Fresh fish and jam never hurt either.

 

[6mm Remington]

Very nice. Even it it's not much, I always try to do a little something for the landowner just as you did. I know I cannot afford to pay to hunt. Now I'd certainly jump in to work a day or two for them, or cut and split some firewood. I've done that sort of thing on several occasions.

 

[truck driver]

When I was younger I made last friendships with Farmers by helping out on the farms with chores when I could. Now most of those farms are Housing developments and the others have turned commercial and are pay to hunt.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Great points on helping around the farm. I have asked him a few times and he laughs and says no. I don't think he wants me to mess things up for him.

 

[truck driver]

It can easily be done when your not use to doing field work. I grew up working on farms and was running tractors at a young age and I've had my feet stomped on more times than enough by a Holstein cow. :x

 

[bbearhntr]

It sounds as if you EARNED a good reputation. Good to hear there are a few decent landowners out there yet. Hope you have a great turkey season !

 

[Wyo7200]

Very cool to see this. I always write a thank you letter describing the hunt and to show my gratitude.

I didn't make it last year, but this year I'll be helping them brand cattle.

 

[sask boy]

That is great news WT, I hope you remember to take that camera along for this spring Turkey hunt :wink:. I am sure looking forward to a good story or two with photos.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[NYDAN]

Very nice. Even it it's not much, I always try to do a little something for the landowner just as you did. I know I cannot afford to pay to hunt. Now I'd certainly jump in to work a day or two for them, or cut and split some firewood. I've done that sort of thing on several occasions.

As a landowner I can tell you that these things are greatly appreciated. My investments in money and time to have a good hunting property are huge. To have someone offer to help makes a big difference.

It has always amazed me how some of my former my "friends" always had time to hunt but seldom or never had time to help. I have new friends now....

I have a friend who owns a house on one of the NYS Finger Lakes and I thoroughly enjoy going there to picnic, swim, water ski, fish, etc. As every year, I called him two nights ago to see if I could help him with preseason work and with putting the docks and boat lift in. I am one of only two non-relatives that get invited to the lake.

 

[salmonchaser]

I traded six weekends guiding pheasant hunters in exchange for Sande's cow elk hunt. The land owner fed us, filled my gas tank,(round trip is an even 8 hours and 520 miles) watched my dogs develop and thought he made out on the deal. Sande has been hunting for just a few years, had an incredible elk hunt, had her dog on more birds then just about anyone this side of south Dakota and thought we made out on the deal.
Funny how an offer to help, trade something of value can leave everyone feeling like a.winner.
Our new friend and his wife are considering joining us in Africa.
My experience has been, like many of you, a sincere offer to help out will pay dividends well in excess of the sweat, bruises, blisters and scraps.

 

[cloverleaf]

Well done WT. Thanks for posting - it can be done. CL